Galaxy Quest

There are certain shows that are so cheesy, they can't be parodied. Star Trek is one.

Galaxy Quest has a nice idea at the centre of its soft satire. Amongst the fans that congregate in concert venues throughout California to commune with their heroes, are genuine aliens who desire the help of the actors to save their planet. Of course, they do not understand the concept of television drama. To them every episode of the series is an historical document.

At the same time, the running gag is that no one in the cast resembles their character. The Capt Kirk figure (Tim Allen) is disliked for his arrogance, self-importance and vanity. The Spock fishhead (Alan Rickman) consistantly storms off, furious about lack of respect. The girl (Sigourney Weaver) may resemble a dumb blonde, but is neither, and the faithful handy man (Tony Shalhoub) couldn't change a light bulb to save his life.

The film should be hilarious, but isn't. Allen is not a clown, like Jim Carrey, rather a lightweight charmster. Rickman looks permanently annoyed and can't snap out of it. Weaver is wasted and Shalhoub underused. The only one of any interest is Sam Rockwell who doesn't really have a role, except once he had a small part in an earlier episode and wants another chance.

Their misadventures in space, with genuine FX monsters on breathable planets, are fun and the involvement of nerdy kids, who obsess about every detail in the show, has a hint of invention about it.

In the end, you are left waiting for lift off, wondering: "Where did that idea go?"